Herb of the Week – Patchouli
Herb of the Week – Patchouli
Botanical Name: (Pogostemon cablin or Pogostemon patchouli)
Folk Names: Pucha Pot, Dirt Herb, Kablin
Gender: Feminine
Planet: Saturn
Element: Earth
Deities: Bachus, Shango, Sekhmet, Dionysus, Set, Herne, and Ochun
Magical Powers: Abundance, Money, Fertility, Lust, Protection
Patchouli is an herb with a scent that people either love or hate. The earthy, almost musky scent of the dried leaves is often used in ritual baths, love charms or even charms to cause separation. According to A.J. Drew’s “Wiccan Formulary and Herbal”, in the Middle East, the scent of patchouli was often seen as a protectant against illness.
Like a fine wine, the essential oil of patchouli only gets better with age. While it can smell more like dirt when it is first decanted, letting it age for several years or even decades makes it highly sought after, particularly for making magical perfumes. Here are a few suggestions on using patchouli in your magical work.
- If you want to attract money, put a bit of patchouli, agrimony, and cinnamon chips in a green flannel conjure bag. You can sprinkle this mixture around your home or business to attract more customers or clients to your door. Put a pinch of patchouli herb in your wallet.
- Feeling a bit lusty? Add some patchouli to your magical incense formula. A mixture of amber, patchouli, sandalwood can create an erotic mood.
- Sprinkle a bit of the herb at doors and windows of your home to ensure you are protected from anyone wishing to harm you.
- On the Samhain (Hallows) holiday, burn some patchouli herb in your cauldron or incense sensor to connect with loved ones on the other side of the Veil.
Shown in the picture is Persephone, our very own resident patchouli plant here at Alchemia Magic!